For some people, going to the dentist for their regular checkup is like a breeze, but for others, it’s a nerve-wracking experience. Odontophobia, or the fear of dentists and dental procedures, can be detrimental to one’s oral health because it prevents the patient from getting the professional oral care they need. Fortunately, dentists know a way or two how to deal with patients who suffer from this fear by using various techniques and strategies to help the patients overcome this fear.
Helpful tips to deal with dental anxiety.
For dentists like Ivanhoe East Dental Clinic, there are a lot of things they can do to help ease their patients’ worry, and most of them are rooted in open communication. Here are a few other things they can do for their patients:
Listen actively. Listen to the patient’s concerns and fears; be empathic and understanding toward their worries. By actively listening, dentists are creating an open dialogue that helps establish trust and connection, making the patient more comfortable and in control.
Create a relaxing environment. On top of active listening and open communication, a relaxing and welcoming environment can significantly reduce one’s dental anxiety. Dental offices should equip their facilities with soothing elements like comfortable couches, relaxing music, and aromatherapy to set a relaxed ambiance. While waiting for their turn, a few entertainment media like watching a movie or reading magazines may also help ease them up.
Try sedation dentistry. If the patient is open to it, they can try sedation dentistry, especially for patients with severe dental anxiety. There are different options they can choose from, depending on the severity of their anxiety; there’s the mild sedative nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, which gives them the feeling of euphoria, while oral sedation requires they consume medication before their appointment to induce a drowsy state. On a deeper level, dental clinics also offer IV sedation, which is administered intravenously, where patients are still aware and conscious but have no feelings toward the ongoing procedure.
Apply cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For patients who suffer from severe dental anxiety, undergoing CBT can help them identify and address their stressors and negative thought patterns linked to dental visits. With the help of a therapist, they can learn deep breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and guided imagery to manage their dental fear.
Gradual exposure. Finally, one of the best ways to ease anxious patients to their dental appointments is to gradually expose them to dental environments in a controlled and comfortable manner adequate for them. They can start with short visits to get them used to the place and help reduce anxiety over time.
Additional tips for nervous patients.
Communicate and be open about your concerns. Your dentist and the other dental professionals are always ready to help you, as long as you communicate your anxieties and concerns. The more they know about worries, the better they can help address your needs.
Schedule an appointment that’s most convenient for you. Choose a schedule where you can focus solely on the appointment so that you can rest after the session.
Have someone accompany you. Bring a support person, like a family member or friend, to provide comfort and support.
Practice relaxation techniques. Whenever you can, practice breathing techniques or listen to calming music before your appointment to help settle your nerves.
Dental anxiety is much more common than we all think; the key to addressing this is to communicate openly with the dentist. On their end, dentists can help ease the patient’s worry by listening actively and creating a welcoming atmosphere. By applying all these, anxious patients can attain the dental care they need to achieve a healthy smile and maintain the longevity of their optimal oral health.
